10 pages from inside this book
The Slug and the Snail
- Subject
- Animals - Insects, Spiders, etc.
- Age
- 3-5 years
- Format
- Hardcover
- Pages
- 32
- Publisher
- Little Island
- Size
- 20.1 cm × 25.1 cm
- ISBN
- 9781915071071
An USBBY Outstanding International Book 2025
An illustrated own-voices fable about self-acceptance and pride from a member of the Irish Traveller nomadic ethnic minority
Drawn from the Irish Traveller oral storytelling tradition, DeBhairduin’s tale is a gentle allegory about difference, self-acceptance and different ways of seeing the world.
Two slugs travel happily together as brothers, until they meet a crow who shows them that they have no home. Ashamed, one of the slugs decides to make himself a home, and calls himself snail.
The brothers grow apart and become suspicious of each other. The slug with no shell-house feels ashamed until he learns to see that the very road he travels is his home, and so he shall never be homeless.The happy slug no longer sees himself through the judging eyes of others, but proudly asserts his place in the world and the two brothers travel happily together once more.
Data provided by BiblioShare.
What reviewers said
"In melodic prose, DeBhairduin weaves a tale about a time when no snails existed in the world ... Anima’s radiant illustrations illuminate fine details within vast landscapes in a gentle work about perspective and connection."
"The lyrical text shows the deep connection with the land that the slug brothers have, despite their difference. Lovely mixed media artwork complements this mystical connection with views of the lush greenery from the slugs’ point of view. Kids will enjoy following their translucent trails of slime as the story evolves. Caregivers will love the parable of inclusion." — Youth Services Book Review
"The illustrations captured the slugs' emotions, making for a lighthearted and comedic visual to go with the deeper meaning of the story ... I appreciate this story's existence as a medium to bring awareness to a cultural group that was new to me."
"Beautifully illustrated."
"A beautifully illustrated picture book ... It’s a clever story about acceptance and celebrating, as the book says, “similarities and common connection”."
"A warm story of difference and commonality."
More like this
The Slug and the Pug: Short Vowel Sounds with Consonant Blends
Brian P Cleary
The Slug and the Pug: Short Vowel Sounds with Consonant Blends
Brian P. Cleary, Jason Miskimins
The Snail
Emily Hughes
Pig and Small
Alex Latimer
Big and Small
Britta Teckentrup
The Snail and the Whale
Julia Donaldson
To Snail or Not to Snail
S. J. Russell, Lucy Noland, Kaity Lacy
